What did the Cruisers and Convoys Act of 1708 state?

The Cruisers and Convoys Act of 1708 established that a ship's captain and crew could take a share of any stocks raided from enemy ships. This act was significant because it provided an incentive for privateers and naval crews to engage in naval warfare by allowing them to profit personally from their actions against enemy vessels.

By allowing the captain and crew to receive a portion of the captured goods, the act encouraged them to actively seek out and capture enemy merchant ships, thereby bolstering the naval efforts of their country during a time of conflict. This was an essential mechanism in encouraging privateering, which was a common practice in the 18th century, where private individuals were authorized by the government to capture enemy shipping.

The other options do not reflect the contents of the Act accurately, as they either limit the actions allowed under the act or impose obligations that were not part of its provisions. Thus, option A encapsulates the essence and intent behind the Cruisers and Convoys Act of 1708 effectively.